RCTC Related Topics:

Advanced Hospital Nursing Assistant

Career/Program Overview

The Nursing Assistant curriculum is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment careers in health care under the supervision of the licensed nurse. Students will learn the basic skills to work in a variety of health care settings. A Nursing Assistant may be involved in direct patient/resident care or assist with care of the patient/resident unit and/or equipment, charting, record keeping and home-health services.

Students completing NA 1500 and/or NA 1501 who desire employment in long term care or home care are eligible to take the Nursing Assistant Registry Exam offered by Pearson Vue. Testing is available through RCTC’s Workforce Education website at http://www.rctc.edu/workforce/. Select “Testing” and follow the directions for NA/HHA to see available test dates. Successful completion will place the individual on the Minnesota Nursing Assistant State Registry.

All students must pass a Minnesota Department of Human Services background check in order to complete the clinical portion of the class.

The various courses offered in Nursing Assistant can provide a career ladder in the health care field. Successful completion of Nursing Assistant Theory and Clinical curriculum is a required component of the Advanced Hospital Nursing Assistant Certificate, Human Services Technician, Surgical Technology, Practical Nursing and Associate Degree Nursing programs.

Program Start Date(s)

RCTC offers the Nursing Assistant courses several times throughout the academic year and during summer sessions.

Career Opportunities/Information

According to iseek (www.iseek.org) career information, Minnesota employment of nursing assistants is expected to grow. The strongest demand for nursing assistants will be in Long Term Care and residential care homes.

The Advanced Nursing Assistant Hospital Certificate curriculum further prepares the health care provider with the necessary skills to seek employment at Mayo Clinic hospitals or other related service areas as a Patient Care Assistant (PCA). Taking all of the Nursing Assistant components will increase employment opportunities.

In addition to the State background check, all students pursuing the Advanced Hospital Nursing Assistant Certificate must also complete and pass a national background check prior to the clinical experience.

Gainful Employment Programs

The U.S. Department of Education’s (USDE) gainful employment regulations require disclosure of certain program information for programs that lead to certificates or diplomas and are financial aid eligible.